Helmets - Should you? and Which?
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HGU-56
I use a Gentex HGU-56 for last 1000 hours or so, of which 600+ hrs is in MD500 (noisy:-)) and rest in S300 and R44. I had to fit the helmet with zetaliner to make it comfortable for long days (6-8 flight hours). I also use earpads from my Senheiser S1 headset and Alpine MotoSafe eaplugs. I am VERY satisfied with this setup. Does not matter if it is 35deg plus or 15deg minus, it is super comfortable (for me anyway). Had a chance to very briefly try some other helmets but none of them felt so nice.
Lift Aviation AV-1 KOR "Shroud" Helmet
For many years I have used the Gallet 050 as it's lightweight and small shell size(External Load Ops) is preferred rather than some of the larger helmets that are available.
I have been researching the Lift Aviation AV-1 KOR Shroud as a possible replacement. Anyone on this forum have any first hand experience with this helmet? .
https://liftaviationusa.com/collections/helmets
The "Shroud" version I presume allows you to retract the visor when not in use(I've not had this confirmed yet as information is limited). Otherwise your visor would quickly became scratched with day to day utility ops.
Any information or opinions appreciated.
Regards.
TTW
I have been researching the Lift Aviation AV-1 KOR Shroud as a possible replacement. Anyone on this forum have any first hand experience with this helmet? .
https://liftaviationusa.com/collections/helmets
The "Shroud" version I presume allows you to retract the visor when not in use(I've not had this confirmed yet as information is limited). Otherwise your visor would quickly became scratched with day to day utility ops.
Any information or opinions appreciated.
Regards.
TTW
Last edited by TimTooWindy; 4th Mar 2019 at 19:54.
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If you fly open door and the Zulu works - probably the software is a "little more advanced" by now! I installed the kit some 15 years ago...
3top
ANR will still lead to damage hearing, CEP users are better off. Wire free CEP is now a thing from Gentex (who own Alpha Eagle, having bought out the UK company) and looks very promising. A properly sized and fitted Eagle or 900 (if NVGing) with wire free CEP would be an excellent choice, also it’s Interesting to note that French Army pilots now use Alpha helmets rather than Gallet.
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Interesting. I've had problems with my Lightspeed Zulu-2 headset masking the low RPM horn in some Robinson aircraft. I called Robinson technical support and asked that they start piping it into the intercom and they politely refused.
Then, in September I brought it up during the R66 course and Tim Tucker said "we tested the David Clark and the Bose and it wasn't a problem and it would add weight so we won't do it". I said it was a problem with my Lightspeed but they basically seem to feel that since nobody has died yet from not hearing the low RPM horn they don't need to address it (and of course if there is a fatal you probably won't know that the pilot couldn't hear the horn, just that for some reason he never lowered the collective).
Then, in September I brought it up during the R66 course and Tim Tucker said "we tested the David Clark and the Bose and it wasn't a problem and it would add weight so we won't do it". I said it was a problem with my Lightspeed but they basically seem to feel that since nobody has died yet from not hearing the low RPM horn they don't need to address it (and of course if there is a fatal you probably won't know that the pilot couldn't hear the horn, just that for some reason he never lowered the collective).
Last edited by Hot and Hi; 2nd Jul 2020 at 17:32.
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Buying Helmets - where?
There are a gazillion options for buying helmets online but for something like this I'd like to try before I buy.
Could anyone please recommend a physical shop that would have a good selection of different models? MSA, Alpha, Gentex etc.
I'm based in the SouthEast near Redhill or West London.
Thanks.
Could anyone please recommend a physical shop that would have a good selection of different models? MSA, Alpha, Gentex etc.
I'm based in the SouthEast near Redhill or West London.
Thanks.
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Sorry I'm too much of a newbie to help.
However, yesterday I had a great conversation with Alex Singh from SES (Safety Equipment Services)
He was super helpful and generous with his time evaluating my likely needs and talking about the MSA Gallet helmet and its various options.
Good luck.
However, yesterday I had a great conversation with Alex Singh from SES (Safety Equipment Services)
He was super helpful and generous with his time evaluating my likely needs and talking about the MSA Gallet helmet and its various options.
Good luck.
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I get to try quite a few flying helmets for work, most of the non 'household names' and some that are, are absolute garbage. Comfotable garbage but still... I can't recommend many but I would say that despite awful lead times and sometimes suspect build quality Alpha Eagles/900's are pretty good. Absolutely avoid anything with gimicky chinstraps and air vents, or if the padding looks like it could have been taken from a motorcycle helmet..you'll end up with something with less crash protection than a 1970s skateboard helmet. Also, don't go chucking dodgy fixed wing ANR headset mods into safety certified helmets, unless these helmets have been impact tested to relevant standards with the modification installed, asking for trouble..
Parallel Universes
I can't find fault with anything you say, Stitchbitch. But are we not throwing out the child with the bathwater?
In my world (yes, I often hear that there are parallel universes, with no link between them
). So in my world, a helmet - any helmet - competes with wearing no helmet at all. Even pilots who own a helmet, and wear that helmet for certain jobs where it is either a requirement or at least common to wear a helmet (e.g., EMS work at night), tend to not wear the helmet on other jobs (e.g., flight instruction).
I am not sure what kind of mega crash you intend surviving using a helmet that is to your liking. But can one not argue that in many cases the job of a helmet is already to protect the pilot's head in a non-violent crash (e.g., dynamic roll-over) from colliding with the cockpit structure? Thereby preventing skull damage, cuts, face and eye injuries. Besides this being a benefit in itself, keeping the pilot conscious gives them a better chance to extract themselves and their pax from a burning or sinking wreck.
Also when it comes to bird strikes, would you not agree that vizor down at all times dramatically increases the chances to maintain control of the a/c, despite the Perspex pieces, blood, guts and bird bones hitting your face? Could one not look at a helmet mostly as a mounting structure for a visor, regardless really what make of helmet.
In that vein I however fully support your warning against gimmicky chinstraps (or chinstraps worn loosely, a la Pilot Yellow). No use, even in my much more limited use cases, of a helmet that flies off your skull at the moment of impact.
Let's agree that following the 80:20 rule even a simple bump helmet with visor offers beneficial protection in 80% of the accidents. (100% being totality of accidents where an ideal helmet would save your bacon.) Certainly no reason to suggest that wearing no helmet would be better than wearing any of the helmet types that you suggest to "absolutely avoid". It is all relative...
In my world (yes, I often hear that there are parallel universes, with no link between them
). So in my world, a helmet - any helmet - competes with wearing no helmet at all. Even pilots who own a helmet, and wear that helmet for certain jobs where it is either a requirement or at least common to wear a helmet (e.g., EMS work at night), tend to not wear the helmet on other jobs (e.g., flight instruction).I am not sure what kind of mega crash you intend surviving using a helmet that is to your liking. But can one not argue that in many cases the job of a helmet is already to protect the pilot's head in a non-violent crash (e.g., dynamic roll-over) from colliding with the cockpit structure? Thereby preventing skull damage, cuts, face and eye injuries. Besides this being a benefit in itself, keeping the pilot conscious gives them a better chance to extract themselves and their pax from a burning or sinking wreck.
Also when it comes to bird strikes, would you not agree that vizor down at all times dramatically increases the chances to maintain control of the a/c, despite the Perspex pieces, blood, guts and bird bones hitting your face? Could one not look at a helmet mostly as a mounting structure for a visor, regardless really what make of helmet.
In that vein I however fully support your warning against gimmicky chinstraps (or chinstraps worn loosely, a la Pilot Yellow). No use, even in my much more limited use cases, of a helmet that flies off your skull at the moment of impact.
Let's agree that following the 80:20 rule even a simple bump helmet with visor offers beneficial protection in 80% of the accidents. (100% being totality of accidents where an ideal helmet would save your bacon.) Certainly no reason to suggest that wearing no helmet would be better than wearing any of the helmet types that you suggest to "absolutely avoid". It is all relative...
Last edited by Hot and Hi; 15th Aug 2021 at 05:50.
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As Hot and Hi says, wearing a helmet is a no brainer. The main benefits I see is that it saves your hearing and your eyesight. It saves your hearing on a daily bases and your eyesight for that birdstrike. If you are then unlucky and have an accident then of course it will help as well.
You can enhance your helmet with ANR which is expensive and it does work, there is another alternative though and they are CEPs, you can then save the money for the ANR and have equal if not better hearing protection using the CEPs.
I have only ever worn the Alpha Eagle 900, two across two different jobs, and they haven't given me any real trouble except the odd wear and tear. From what I can gather the Gallet don't fit every head unlike the Alpha's. The Gallet I am told need replacing every 15 years whereas the Alphas last only 12 years. I am told the Gallet are snug around your complete head, whereas the Alpha's have possible more air circling you head.
That's all I can add.
Companies to talk to are ses-safety.com or Key-se.co.uk or Helmet Integrated in Stanraer or headsetservices.com those are the only ones I know of.
You can enhance your helmet with ANR which is expensive and it does work, there is another alternative though and they are CEPs, you can then save the money for the ANR and have equal if not better hearing protection using the CEPs.
I have only ever worn the Alpha Eagle 900, two across two different jobs, and they haven't given me any real trouble except the odd wear and tear. From what I can gather the Gallet don't fit every head unlike the Alpha's. The Gallet I am told need replacing every 15 years whereas the Alphas last only 12 years. I am told the Gallet are snug around your complete head, whereas the Alpha's have possible more air circling you head.
That's all I can add.
Companies to talk to are ses-safety.com or Key-se.co.uk or Helmet Integrated in Stanraer or headsetservices.com those are the only ones I know of.
Thread hijack but ccan anyone recommend any sites that sell replacement parts for the Gentex SPH-3 series? I need visors and some other bits to restore a helmet for static display.
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I did a bit of refurbishing on my old SPH-5.
MOST parts fit the older models - Gibson & Barnes, easy to talk to a tech that can guide you through the various options...
MOST parts fit the older models - Gibson & Barnes, easy to talk to a tech that can guide you through the various options...
Last edited by 3top; 7th Nov 2022 at 18:13.
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Hi all,
Our company is about to buy as us all new noggin cups....
Over the years this thread exists, I read about everything - the last comments about helmet brands are 1-3 years back.
Did anyone learn something new about new models, brands? Suggestions?
We are using the helmets for doors closed passenger flights and doors removed external load ops.
As it is I don't see us going into NVG ops anytime soon...
What I have so far:
- Gentex (HGU-56 or SPH-5, I understand the 56 makes the 5 pretty much obsolete...)
- Gentex ALPHA Eagle
- MSA (Gallet)
- EVO (Evolution Helmets)
- Northwall (LMT)
From comments above it seems the Northwall has a quality and customer service problem, so - Northwall out.
From comments above it seems the MSA Gallet lasts longer than the ALPHA.
From comments above it seems the Gentex HGU-56 is a great helmet, but not out of the box - it needs a bit of modifying - aftermarket is available
No comments on the Evo...
Personally I saw the Alphas in action with my colleagues while I was happy with my SPH-5. I did see the Alphas deteriorate rather quickly (hot and humid environment), but couldn't try one out, as I seem to have the bigger (harder??) head.....
So - from my experience with the SPH-5 and one or the other comment I do tend towards a HGU-56 (possibly with mods mentioned above), at least one colleague wants to replace the Alpha with another Alpha...
Personally I want 2 lenses - dark (sun), yellow/high contrast (fog, low vis)
IF anyone has time with a EVO or various of the mentioned helmets, please post your experience!
IF anyone flies a brand not listed above, please post your experience!!
Cheers all,
3top
Our company is about to buy as us all new noggin cups....
Over the years this thread exists, I read about everything - the last comments about helmet brands are 1-3 years back.
Did anyone learn something new about new models, brands? Suggestions?
We are using the helmets for doors closed passenger flights and doors removed external load ops.
As it is I don't see us going into NVG ops anytime soon...
What I have so far:
- Gentex (HGU-56 or SPH-5, I understand the 56 makes the 5 pretty much obsolete...)
- Gentex ALPHA Eagle
- MSA (Gallet)
- EVO (Evolution Helmets)
- Northwall (LMT)
From comments above it seems the Northwall has a quality and customer service problem, so - Northwall out.
From comments above it seems the MSA Gallet lasts longer than the ALPHA.
From comments above it seems the Gentex HGU-56 is a great helmet, but not out of the box - it needs a bit of modifying - aftermarket is available
No comments on the Evo...
Personally I saw the Alphas in action with my colleagues while I was happy with my SPH-5. I did see the Alphas deteriorate rather quickly (hot and humid environment), but couldn't try one out, as I seem to have the bigger (harder??) head.....
So - from my experience with the SPH-5 and one or the other comment I do tend towards a HGU-56 (possibly with mods mentioned above), at least one colleague wants to replace the Alpha with another Alpha...
Personally I want 2 lenses - dark (sun), yellow/high contrast (fog, low vis)
IF anyone has time with a EVO or various of the mentioned helmets, please post your experience!
IF anyone flies a brand not listed above, please post your experience!!
Cheers all,
3top
Hi all,
...
Personally I saw the Alphas in action with my colleagues while I was happy with my SPH-5. I did see the Alphas deteriorate rather quickly (hot and humid environment), but couldn't try one out, as I seem to have the bigger (harder??) head.....
So - from my experience with the SPH-5 and one or the other comment I do tend towards a HGU-56 (possibly with mods mentioned above), at least one colleague wants to replace the Alpha with another Alpha...
Personally I want 2 lenses - dark (sun), yellow/high contrast (fog, low vis)
...
Cheers all,
3top
...
Personally I saw the Alphas in action with my colleagues while I was happy with my SPH-5. I did see the Alphas deteriorate rather quickly (hot and humid environment), but couldn't try one out, as I seem to have the bigger (harder??) head.....
So - from my experience with the SPH-5 and one or the other comment I do tend towards a HGU-56 (possibly with mods mentioned above), at least one colleague wants to replace the Alpha with another Alpha...
Personally I want 2 lenses - dark (sun), yellow/high contrast (fog, low vis)
...
Cheers all,
3top
Now I fly the Alpha with ANR, really comfortable, but I would recommend CEP as long as it does not create irritating pressure points.
With regard to visors you can select dark, clear or yellow as well with Alpha. Had them all and I prefer to have a dark and yellow visor combination. I noticed that when flying with a dark and clear visor combination I often flew without visor protection when the dark visor was inappropriate for the weather conditions. With the dark and yellow combination I always have one or the other.
Tip: choose one helmet type for both cockpit and cabin. We have experienced that operating different types of helmets can cause degraded ICS performance.
Ps. What I also like with the Alpha is the opportunity to release or tighten the ear cups and the rotating knob on the back to tighten the helmet at the nape of my head. Especially helpful - a must - with NVGs.
Last edited by breakdip; 7th Nov 2022 at 19:19. Reason: Added Ps.
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3top
I’ve used the HGU-56/p for 15 years/2000+ hours, overall seems like a good setup, ours came with the CEP modification and I’ve used both the Zetaliner II and Thermoplastic Liner(TPL). The Zeta is great until you sweat in it a lot, pretty much can’t clean it without problems, and when it’s cold out(not super cold, 30-40 degrees F) its pretty stiff until your head heats it up, so you have to deal with pressure points until then.
The TPL has a separate cover so you can have multiple covers to wash and swap out in the summertime, which i do daily sometimes if I’m sweating a lot.
As far as durability I’ve had two shells get voided big enough to require replacement in all that time but those helmets/shells were of unknown age as they were issued to me by the government.
Due to a contract change in 2018 the company I work for has provide flight clothing and helmets so my current helmet is about 5 years old, it has some light scratches and small chips in the paint but it came back from ALSE inspection with no real issues, and I work as a crewman/mechanic so I’m in and out of the aircraft popping my head on stuff quite a bit(more than I’d like to!) so I think a pilot may be slightly more gentle on one for what that’s worth.
They did end up changing the energy absorbing layer(EAL, the styrofoam bit inside helmet shell) and harness but they really didn’t need to, everything was working fine. I wish they had left it alone to be honest!
Which gets me to some of the bad points of the helmet: proper fitting is a big deal, I’m sure other helmets are the same way. When it fits right it’s great, when it’s not it makes for a long day. And like others have mentioned, the CEP wires running across my ears is super annoying, but I think that can be mitigated by getting moulded/cast earplugs for the CEP.
I’m actually considering getting this done as the guys I’ve worked with that have them seem to like them.
The CEP components themselves are also unnecessarily expensive in my opinion, just look at the prices they are charging for the replaceable foam tips and you’ll see what I mean. But for all those thing I still won’t use my helmet without them and carry spare CEPs and foam tips in my helmet bag, the clarity of the ICS is so much improved over the standard ear cup speakers.
FltMech
I’ve used the HGU-56/p for 15 years/2000+ hours, overall seems like a good setup, ours came with the CEP modification and I’ve used both the Zetaliner II and Thermoplastic Liner(TPL). The Zeta is great until you sweat in it a lot, pretty much can’t clean it without problems, and when it’s cold out(not super cold, 30-40 degrees F) its pretty stiff until your head heats it up, so you have to deal with pressure points until then.
The TPL has a separate cover so you can have multiple covers to wash and swap out in the summertime, which i do daily sometimes if I’m sweating a lot.
As far as durability I’ve had two shells get voided big enough to require replacement in all that time but those helmets/shells were of unknown age as they were issued to me by the government.
Due to a contract change in 2018 the company I work for has provide flight clothing and helmets so my current helmet is about 5 years old, it has some light scratches and small chips in the paint but it came back from ALSE inspection with no real issues, and I work as a crewman/mechanic so I’m in and out of the aircraft popping my head on stuff quite a bit(more than I’d like to!) so I think a pilot may be slightly more gentle on one for what that’s worth.
They did end up changing the energy absorbing layer(EAL, the styrofoam bit inside helmet shell) and harness but they really didn’t need to, everything was working fine. I wish they had left it alone to be honest!
Which gets me to some of the bad points of the helmet: proper fitting is a big deal, I’m sure other helmets are the same way. When it fits right it’s great, when it’s not it makes for a long day. And like others have mentioned, the CEP wires running across my ears is super annoying, but I think that can be mitigated by getting moulded/cast earplugs for the CEP.
I’m actually considering getting this done as the guys I’ve worked with that have them seem to like them.
The CEP components themselves are also unnecessarily expensive in my opinion, just look at the prices they are charging for the replaceable foam tips and you’ll see what I mean. But for all those thing I still won’t use my helmet without them and carry spare CEPs and foam tips in my helmet bag, the clarity of the ICS is so much improved over the standard ear cup speakers.
FltMech
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Okay!
Thank you all for your inputs!
By far the most recommended helmet is the MSA - Gallet - LH250!!
So - I wonder if anyone compared the LH-250 and the LH-350 in real life!?
Why one is better than the other - I know the 350 is about $400 more expensive, overall - that would not bother me....
So - LH250 or LH350 - WHY?
Then - if you do/did open-door vertical reference work (especially on the AS350) - any experience with a CEP kit in the LH-250 or LH350??
Finally - any experience with the Headset/Helmet Bluetooth -kits on the market? Main need would be to have the phone connected to the headset/helmet for communication....
Cheers,
3top
Thank you all for your inputs!
By far the most recommended helmet is the MSA - Gallet - LH250!!
So - I wonder if anyone compared the LH-250 and the LH-350 in real life!?
Why one is better than the other - I know the 350 is about $400 more expensive, overall - that would not bother me....
So - LH250 or LH350 - WHY?
Then - if you do/did open-door vertical reference work (especially on the AS350) - any experience with a CEP kit in the LH-250 or LH350??
Finally - any experience with the Headset/Helmet Bluetooth -kits on the market? Main need would be to have the phone connected to the headset/helmet for communication....
Cheers,
3top
Okay!
Thank you all for your inputs!
By far the most recommended helmet is the MSA - Gallet - LH250!!
So - I wonder if anyone compared the LH-250 and the LH-350 in real life!?
Why one is better than the other - I know the 350 is about $400 more expensive, overall - that would not bother me....
So - LH250 or LH350 - WHY?
Then - if you do/did open-door vertical reference work (especially on the AS350) - any experience with a CEP kit in the LH-250 or LH350??
Finally - any experience with the Headset/Helmet Bluetooth -kits on the market? Main need would be to have the phone connected to the headset/helmet for communication....
Cheers,
3top
Thank you all for your inputs!
By far the most recommended helmet is the MSA - Gallet - LH250!!
So - I wonder if anyone compared the LH-250 and the LH-350 in real life!?
Why one is better than the other - I know the 350 is about $400 more expensive, overall - that would not bother me....
So - LH250 or LH350 - WHY?
Then - if you do/did open-door vertical reference work (especially on the AS350) - any experience with a CEP kit in the LH-250 or LH350??
Finally - any experience with the Headset/Helmet Bluetooth -kits on the market? Main need would be to have the phone connected to the headset/helmet for communication....
Cheers,
3top
CEP a definite YES. Used in everything from a gentex, through Gallet to Alpha. I don't fit a gallet but my alpha work issued and my personal one fit like a glove and comfy for 8hr+ days.
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